Kathryn W. Clerico

It is with great sadness we mark the passing of Kathryn Wilkinson Clerico on April 10, 2024 at the age of 98 years. “Kitty” as she was affectionately called, is survived by her four children, Stephen Andrew Clerico (Carol), Dale Kathryn Clerico Marinovich (Phillip), Diane Clerico (Michael Flynn) and Jeffrey Clerico (Michelle), seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and a few special friends. Kitty was born and raised in Albemarle County, VA. Her parents, John and Jeanette Wilkinson came from a strong line of Virginians who embraced Esmont as their home. With her siblings Johnny and Merrel, Kitty shared a wonderful childhood steeped in tradition that shaped her character for a lifetime. After graduating from high school, Kitty left the confines of rural Virginia to go to the big city of Washington, D.C. in search of her dreams of career and family. She was successful on both fronts, getting a job in government and meeting Andrew “Andy” Clerico, who after a whirlwind romance, became her husband and father of the above mentioned four children. The Clerico family made their home in Clinton, MD where Kitty presided over the kids growing up while Andy worked in the D.C. Navy Yard. They were both active in the community participating in the Homemaker’s Club and the Lions Club with its considerable charity events. In 1972, Andy was diagnosed with cancer and Kitty helped him with his valiant fight with the disease until his passing in 1981. Kitty remained in the family home until 1988 when she met and married Joe Mastrangelo, a long time Washington, D.C. native and embraced Joe’s children and grandchildren as part of her family. Joe and Kitty created their own memories living in Summerlake, Fredericksburg, VA where they enjoyed the retirement community lifestyle for over 20 years before Joe’s passing in 2006. Kitty continued to live in Summerlake until 2021 before relocating to Charlottesville, VA to be closer to her eldest son Stephen and his wife Carol. Kitty was an amazing matriarch. She was a student of her own unique history, valuing her family roots and ready to share her fascinating story with old friends and new acquaintances. She was engaging with her warm charm and could light up a room with the distinct charisma of a Southern belle. She will be missed but her legacy will live on! A celebration of life is planned for a later date. The family would like to thank the staff of The Gardens/Linden House Assisted Living, Health and Wellness Services, and Gentiva Hospice for their support and care of Kitty during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kitty’s name may be sent to: Gentiva Hospice, 941 Glenwood Station Lane, Unit 204, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or The Gardens Memory Care Unit, Linden House Assisted Living, 1250 Branchlands Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901